Tonga’s Parliament has elected a new prime minister to replace the late ‘Akilisi Pohiva.

Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, the current Minister of Finance, has won convincingly with 15 votes, to acting Prime Minister Semisi Sika, who got 8 votes.

Mr Tu’i’onetoa, who was a minister in good standing in the Pohiva government, earlier this week crossed the floor to form the new People’s Party and gain support from a united group of nobles and independent MPs.

Three other MPs who were part of Mr Pohiva’s party also crossed the floor.

The defection of the four members meant Mr Pohiva’s party did not have a majority for the election of the leader.

In his speech before the election, Mr Tu’i’onetoa promised to bring unity to the politically divided nation and outlined changes he would bring if elected.

The next major step for the prime minister-elect is to pick a cabinet to reflect the kind of political objectives and promises he’s made.